Arts and Crafts Centers for Veterans Opening Across the Country

September 6th, 2013

Since 1971 national nonprofit Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) has put almost 29 million arts and crafts kits into the hands of patients at VA and military hospitals worldwide. It’s been HHV’s primary mission to provide “medicine that doesn’t come in a bottle” to America’s hospitalized veteran and military population.

And now, with millions of veterans receiving outpatient healthcare in the private sector, HHV is expanding its reach through two new initiatives. The Patient Home Rehabilitation (PHR) program sends arts and craft kits directly to veterans, and the Community Based Arts and Crafts Centers (CBC) program offers veterans a place to go and work on their arts and crafts in a group setting.

“We wish to reach more patients by offering therapeutic arts and crafts kits to all veteran and military medical patients receiving any kind of healthcare,” said HHV president and CEO Mike Lynch. “This will open the HHV program to all of the nation’s veterans, regardless of where they presently receive their healthcare. It’s a huge undertaking for HHV but one we are committed to,” Lynch added. The first four storefront locations to receive a CBC are Grand Junction, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Bay Pines, Florida; and Temple, Texas with grand opening festivities planned each location from September 18 to October 2.

“There will be refreshments and entertainment, and craft kits for veterans and military,” Lynch said. “All area veterans, military and their families are invited to attend as well as the community.”

For more information visit HHV.org or call toll-free 888-567-VETS (8387).